Insect containment trap having disposable capture vessel and joining mechanism

Abstract

A capture apparatus for an insect containment trap includes a disposable capture vessel (which may be a plastic milk jug), a funnel element (which may be a modified plastic beverage container), and a mechanical spring-loaded clip. The funnel element interfaces the capture vessel to the baiting device, and the clip joins the mouth of the capture vessel to the mouth of the funnel element.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An apparatus for capturing insects attracted to a baiting device, comprising: 
       a funnel element coupleable to said baiting device, and including a flanged neck and mouth extending away from said baiting device when coupled thereto;  
       a capture vessel including a flanged neck and mouth portion; and  
       a clip mechanism coupling the flanged neck and mouth portion of the funnel element to the flanged neck and mouth portion of the capture vessel, the clip mechanism including first and second half sections that abut to define a closed cavity surrounding and mutually retaining the flanged neck and mouth portions of said funnel element and said capture vessel, and a spring producing a bias force that urges said first and second half sections into abutment.  
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second half sections of said clip mechanism include handle portions extending separately away from said cavity such that moving said handle portions toward each other against the bias force of said spring moves said first and second half sections out of abutment to open said cavity. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said capture vessel includes a removable cylindrical lid, and said handle portions include L-shaped protrusions that extend oppositely to retain said lid by engaging an inner periphery of said lid when said half sections abut to define said closed cavity, and to release said lid when said handle portions are moved toward each other to open said cavity. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said cavity includes a first aperture dimensioned to retain the flanged neck and mouth portion of said funnel element, and a second aperture dimensioned to retain the flanged neck and mouth portion of said capture vessel. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the flanged neck and mouth portion of said funnel element are inserted into the capture vessel when said cavity surrounds and retains the flanged neck and mouth portions of said funnel element and said capture vessel. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said capture vessel is a plastic milk jug. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said funnel element is a portion of a plastic beverage container. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second half sections of said clip mechanism include first and second tab elements that protrude from said first and second half sections and abut when said first and second half sections abut, whereby mutually securing said first and second tab elements maintains said first and second half sections in abutment.